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refrain

UK
/rɪˈfreɪn/
US
/rɪˈfreɪn/

Translations

refrainnoun
refrains
pl
UK
/rɪˈfreɪn/
US
/rɪˈfreɪn/
The song's refrain was so catchy that everyone was singing it by the end of the night.
Le refrain de la chanson était si entraînant que tout le monde le chantait à la fin de la soirée.
Synonyms
self-restraint
self-denial
forbearance
avoidance
abstinence
refrainverb
refrained
Past Simple
refrained
Past Participle
refraining
Gerund
UK
/rɪˈfreɪn/
US
/rɪˈfreɪn/
s'abstenir de
She refrained from commenting on the controversial topic during the meeting.
Elle s'est abstenue de commenter le sujet controversé pendant la réunion.
Additional translations
réfrénerSoutenu; sens archaïque ou littéraire, avec complément direct.
Synonyms
avoid
forbear
withhold
desist
abstain
Antonyms
participate
engage
indulge

Definitions

refrainnoun
A repeated line or number of lines in a song or poem, typically at the end of each verse.
The song's refrain was so catchy that everyone was singing it by the end of the night.
A comment or statement that is often repeated.
The politician's refrain about economic growth was heard in every speech he gave.
refrainverb
To hold oneself back from doing something; to abstain.
She refrained from commenting on the controversial topic during the meeting.
(archaic) To restrain or curb (someone or something).
He could not refrain his tongue, though he knew it would anger the king.
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